Strengths: Light. Loads and loads of light. I mean seriously, you cannot believe this and I've been riding with HID lamps for 3 years now. You get in the car after the ride and it's candlelight in comparison. You just have to see it to believe it. Well constructed with nice clear fuel gauge. Charge time is half what's quoted above. Wiggle don't mention it but it runs for nearly 6 hours on low power which is barely lower than high setting.
Weaknesses: Cost (of course). You can't afford to crash.... It will pi$$ off everyone else off that you're riding with as they will be in shadow. Not for on-road as it makes cars stop. Destroys any common sense you might have had on night rides. Helmet mounting is not practical and they only supply a single standard bar clamp (Cateye!). Switching off is a little fiddly with gloves.
Overall: Absolutely awesome - puts the Lupine Edison in the shade even with one lamp on but with two, it's enough to light the way for the whole crew. Can't really comment on reliability as they are pretty new but they seem well made - I'll update this review after the winter if I remember and if I'm not in hospital. Bought on a whim with no regrets as it's still good value for what you get, but if you're on a budget, there are better value lights out there (3 L&M arcs for example!).
Strengths: Sufficient for your first offroad light Often on sale for £45ish Easy to convert to 12v +
Weaknesses: Heavy SLA battery Very variable battery quality Though adequate, you will quickly want longer burn times and brighter lamps
Overall: Definitely this is the one to get, not the single lamp RC220.
Basically this is a cheap light but it's good to get you started for your first winter. The connections, lamps and switches are good quality.... so when summer comes along you can just replace that heavy battery with a lighter 13.2v NIMH one for about £40 and up the lamps to 20w and 12w (I suggest). No major works required really, especially as you can re-use the battery wires and fuse link - even I could do it.
Some complain that the cable drops out of the switch but I've never had this problem but then I make sure it's plugged in properly and there's no cable stress.
Strengths: It's tiny. It lasts ages. It's just enough light to get you home safely. Flashing mode is very obvious to even the blindest driver.
Weaknesses: Maybe not quite bright enough once you've been dazzled by oncoming traffic a few times but plenty enough to get you home when your monster lights have given out. That switch is just too easy to accidentally operate in your pocket or bag. Smooth tarmac is fine but slightly bumpy tracks mean you can't keep the light from sliding down gently... 3 batteries makes rechargables difficult. The worst thing is the glare from the light ring on the front - good for helping you be seen from the side I suppose but it kills your night vision.
Overall: Buy one, put black tape around the light ring, stick it in your Camelbak and be very, very grateful when you find you need it. :)
'A GREAT DEAL FOR LIGHTWEIGHT VERSATILE PROTECTION'
Strengths: It's got a chin guard. You can remove the guard very easily. Surprisingly light. The extra protection looks like it will work and is not a gimmick. Very comfy. I got it half price under crash replacement for a cheaper model. :) Might actually stop my ears freezing in winter.
Weaknesses: It's perhaps a little bulkier than I'm used to. With the chin guard on, it's a bit snug when you try to take it off. I can't work out whether it looks a bit dorky; I think it probably does but then people who don't wear helmets (those that are still alive anyway) probably think that helmet-wearers look dorky. ;) Could be a bit warm for a long ride but I've not had it long enough to test yet.
Overall: Like the other review, I bought it after a nasty spill. For me it was face and rock followed by blood, A&E and lots of stitches. Too late I know but it's either get this helmet or never leave the house again without getting nagged.... It's never going to match a true full-facer but it seems sturdy enough to deal with most XC crashes; hopefully I don't have to try it.
Strengths: Saved my life. :) Cheap and well ventilated.
Weaknesses: Smashed into 3 pieces on impact so while it protected my skull from the first main impact, my face continued it's journey onwards into the rocks. Too well ventilated meaning it's weak? Replacement policy is a waste of time.
Overall: Disappointing that it fell apart during impact though I have to admit that I probably wouldn't be here now if it hadn't at least taken most of the force before it shattered. Drinking food through a straw for a few days is a small price to pay compared to the alternative.
